Israeli army warns of imminent crisis over troop shortage

The Israeli army said on Tuesday evening that the current situation has become “unbearable” due to a shortage of soldiers, calling for legislation to allow the recruitment of more personnel.

While the army is continuing air strikes on Iran using its aircraft since 28^th February, it is also deploying four military divisions to southern Lebanon. It has large forces stationed in the occupied West Bank, in addition to those already operating in the Gaza Strip.

During a press conference, Army spokesman Effie Defrin said that “there is a shortage of soldiers, and the situation has become unbearable for us”, according to Hebrew Channel 12.

He added: “We are facing a shortfall of between 12,000 and 15,000 soldiers, and we need a law that will bring in more troops,” referring to the evasion of military service by Haredi Jews.

Last Wednesday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned during a closed meeting of the security cabinet that the army could collapse if the manpower shortage crisis is not addressed.